Cheshire East Council has said it will "work with the community" to deliver creative temporary solutions for Crewe town centre's Royal Arcade site.

On Tuesday 14 November, the council scrapped its original plans to develop Crewe's Royal Arcade, looking to temporarily use the site for 'meanwhile uses' instead. 

Cheshire East bought the town centre site in 2015 for £6 million with ambitious plans to build a new bus station, multi-storey car park and a mixed-use scheme comprising leisure facilities such as a cinema, together with shops and restaurants.

On Tuesday 14 November, Cheshire East scrapped its original plans to develop Crewe's Royal Arcade, looking to temporarily use the site for 'meanwhile uses' instead (Ryan Parker).

Phase one, the bus station and car park, are under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2024.

Phase two, the mixed-use scheme, will not now go ahead as originally planned, with the council's economy and growth committee voted unanimously for the site to be used for 'meanwhile uses.'

Cheshire East has said it will continue to explore other opportunities for funding the original phase two scheme, as well as potential alternative developments for the site.

Vice chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, told Nub News: "The council's development partners Peveril Securities Ltd, and their development managers, Cordwell Property, have been proactively engaged with us to identify ways of reducing the growing viability gap of phase two of the Royal Arcade scheme and explore other development options and ways of funding this. 

"This has included options such as reducing the size of the scheme or going ahead but using part of the site for a residential development.

"Both of which would still require significant support from the council to fill the financial gap, meaning the scheme cannot currently be delivered.

Vice chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion (Cheshire East Council).

"Following a decision by the economy and growth committee on 14 November, the council is now advancing plans for 'meanwhile uses'. 

"This gives us the opportunity to deliver something on the site that generates activity and footfall in the town centre as soon as possible, is financially achievable now, and complements the multiple other fantastic projects being developed."

The Royal Arcade meanwhile uses cannot be put in place until after the site is handed back to the council next spring.

A number of local residents have criticised the idea of new green spaces/children's areas, with Cheshire East confirming it will consult with people on the potential uses.

Cllr Mannion added: "We recognise as we move forward with these plans, engagement with residents, businesses, and users of the town centre will be important.

"We know locally, people have been putting forward their ideas for what meanwhile uses could look like.

Crewe's new bus interchange and multi-storey car park are expected to be completed by spring 2024 (Cheshire East Council).

"Once phase one of the scheme has been completed, it is our intention to ensure we work with the community to deliver creative solutions that add vibrancy to the town centre.

"Alongside this, and in-line with the decision by committee, we will also continue to explore other opportunities for funding the original phase two scheme.

"We will also investigate alternative forms of development for the longer-term." 

READ MORE: Crewe misses out on 'levelling up' funding for new Nantwich Road bridge scheme.

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